Abstract

This study aimed to develop a theory, using a grounded theory approach, that can explain the role of technology and individuals in the shift of the policy agenda from low emission goals to zero-emission goals, as well as the impact of the shift in the agenda on the automotive industry in the UK, between 2017-2020.
The research draws on 18 comments, 30 semi-structured elite interviews, and archival documents from the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce (EVET). The EVET is convened by The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (now the Zero Mobility Partnership) and is the main organisation in the UK automotive industry bringing together carmakers and energy companies to make proposals to the government to accelerate sustainability transitions in the UK, in the sphere of low emission vehicles. No other studies have been identified that have used such data to analyse agenda setting and EV transition processes in the UK.
Based on the analysis, a theoretical framework has been created that brings technology transitions into the policy process and introduces the concepts of multiple windows of opportunity, as well as multi-level streams and industry trajectories. The theoretical framework developed can facilitate an analysis of many policy processes that deal with industry-specific problems, of which the shift from low emission to zero emission technologies is just one. Using the case of decarbonisation of the automotive industry in the UK, the relationship between technological, policy and market windows of opportunity in related industries have been identified, as well as their relationship with the agenda setting process. The interrelationships between these concepts were visualised using an interactive 3D modelling technique. Analysis of the theoretical literature using the concept of windows of opportunity has revealed the novelty of this approach, which can be further applied to analyse agenda setting and sustainability transition processes in other industries and regions.
The constructed theory clarifies the role of the shift of policy agenda to net zero in the EV transition processes in the UK. It highlights the important role of individuals putting pressure from the landscape level on the socio-technical regime. The sequence of opening and closing windows of opportunity is clarified, as well as the types of windows involved in the transition process. In addition, future scenarios of EV transition in the UK are provided.